Is Dili safe?
Friendly and calm in daytime. Petty theft, occasional gang fights and martial-arts-group clashes occur; take normal precautions at night and on remote roads.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-05-20.
- Homicide rate in Timor-Leste: 4.1 per 100,000 people (2015, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Timor-Leste: 11.9 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 112 · Ambulance 110 · Fire 115.
Safety in Dili at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Pickpocketing, bag snatching and theft from vehicles or hotel rooms. Fights between rival gangs and martial arts groups sometimes flare up. |
| At night | Streets are poorly lit and quiet after 10 pm. Take a taxi from restaurants and avoid isolated stretches. |
| Solo women | Generally safe in the waterfront area, but unwanted attention can occur. Avoid walking alone at night and dress modestly outside tourist areas. |
| Other risks | Heavy rain landslides and flooding; Dengue and malaria in some seasons; Rough roads and unlit traffic |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Taxi fares quoted well above normal
- Pressure for 'donations' from unofficial guides
Take care
- Large crowds and rival group fights, especially at night
- Walking alone after dark: poor lighting and theft risk
- Remote roads in the rainy season: landslides
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carry a copy of your passport photo page and visa.
- Bringing in US$20,000 or more in cash needs central bank approval beforehand.
How Dili compares in Timor-Leste
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Atauro | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Dili | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Dili safe for solo female travelers?
Generally safe in the waterfront area, but unwanted attention can occur. Avoid walking alone at night and dress modestly outside tourist areas.
Is Dili safe at night?
Streets are poorly lit and quiet after 10 pm. Take a taxi from restaurants and avoid isolated stretches.
What is the crime rate in Dili?
Pickpocketing, bag snatching and theft from vehicles or hotel rooms. Fights between rival gangs and martial arts groups sometimes flare up. Nationally, Timor-Leste records 4.1 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2015).
What number do I call in an emergency in Dili?
Police 112 · Ambulance 110 · Fire 115.
More about Dili
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Timor-Leste Tourism
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.